Free Tax Preparation Services Offered Through United Way of the Big Bend

By Gina Pitisci&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Tue 10:50 PM, Feb 19, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 2:50 PM, Feb 20, 2013

By: Gina PitisciFebruary 19, 2013

Tallahassee, FL - As we inch our way into 2013, it's time to start thinking about paying your taxes. A local organization is offering free tax preparation services to those who need it. R.Jai Gillum, United Way of the Big Bend "It's an excellent program that just helps people save money on tax prep fees which sometimes can be as high as 250 dollars."

Arnold McKay used the service last tax season and says he plans to continue to use it in the future. He says, "it's convenient, there are lots of great locations throughout the city, the volunteers are very professional and it's a free service."

Anyone who plans to use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) is asked to bring a photo ID, social security numbers for you and your family members, provide birth dates, bring tax forms as well as bank routing and account numbers. Gillum says, "for our sites, anyone who makes 50-thousand dollars or less can come to one of our sites but we also have many sites in town that there is no income limit."

Although tax season can be a stressful time for some people, it doesn't have to be. With programs like VITA offered through the best program, help is available, all you have to do is ask. According to Gillum, "we have so much money that's left on the table here in the Big Bend, where people qualify for this credit but they don't know where to look for it."

The tax free preparation sites are open now and will remain open until April 17th. There are locations in Leon, Taylor, Madison, Gadsden, Jefferson and Wakulla counties. To find out more information about the site closest to you, call 2-1-1 or log on to http://www.thebestproject.org/tax-help/about-vita.

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